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East update: The strong get stronger

Montreal Canadiens v Florida Panthers

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 29: Max Pacioretty #67 is congratulated by Thomas Vanek #20 of the Montreal Canadiens after he scored a second period goal against the Florida Panthers at the BB&T Center on March 29, 2014 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Thomas Vanek;Max Pacioretty

Joel Auerbach

This post about the Toronto Maple Leafs’ jarring eight-game losing streak gives a very brief update on the Eastern Conference, but for those who want more than just a dower view of how bad things are for the Buds, here’s a more diverse look at Saturday’s impact:


  • The Atlantic Division is clearly the superior of the two over the long haul. While the Boston Bruins are obviously the top dog (they clinched the No. 1 spot), the other top teams in the Atlantic remain more-than-competent. The Tampa Bay Lightning rode Steven Stamkos’ two goals (waits for “he actually scored three” jokes) to an overtime win while the Montreal Canadiens won their fifth in a row to stay two points ahead of the Bolts for second place ... and home-ice advantage in what almost certainly will be a competitive first-round series.

(That home-ice advantage is definitely still up for grabs, though, as the Lightning hold two games in hand.)

More of a visual learner? Here’s the updated picture:

outlookeast

James OBrien

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins